Saturday Scripture Speaks #9

" 'Where did this man get these things?' they asked. 'What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?' And they took offense at him.

"Jesus said to them, 'Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor.' He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village." Mark 6:2b-6 (NIV)

The people who know me best are the hardest to reach. I remember a time before I was married. One of my sisters was yet unsaved and she was particularly antagonistic toward the faith. She would laugh at me and poke fun at my "religion" in front of others and I would simply cringe.

I went to my pastor and told him that I was deeply upset because I couldn't get my sister to understand her need for God and that she just made fun of me for my faith. My pastor quoted Jesus, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

It's difficult for family and close friends to believe that you've "really changed." They know your every fault and they'll usually be quick to remind you of those faults.

I know that even though we've taught our children the Bible and tried to model Christianity to the best of our abilities, they seem to respond better to others in some situations. That's why we make sure that we give them a strong foundation at home but see to it that they go to church and get involved with ministries within the church.

We shouldn't be surprised when we receive criticism within our own "circles." Pray about the situation, continue to do and say as the Lord leads, and leave it in His hands. God will bring about the right people to reach those you couldn't seem to convince concerning the faith.